Released: 2018 • Features: J. Cole
“Off Deez” by JID, featuring J. Cole, is a boastful and aggressive anthem that explores both artists’ prowess in the rap game. It exposes their relentless drive, their constant battle with detractors, and their undying resolve to remain at the top.
Starting off, J.I.D delivers a chorus that plainly tells detractors to “get off his dick,” a colloquial phrase implying that people should stop bugging him or being overly concerned with his life. He also makes references to cannabis and edibles, both slang terms for marijuana, reflecting the often-established culture of drug use in the hip-hop scene. In addition, he boldly asserts his dominance by aligning himself with Hannibal, a famous military commander known for his tactical brilliance, thus equating his artistry and tactical approach to music with that of a proven strategist.
Social problems aren’t far from J.I.D’s verse either. By referencing the East Atlanta region – a socio-economically disadvantaged area known for its high rates of violent crime – J.I.D brings attention to the systemic social, economic, and racial issues that affect numerous black communities across America. His line about taking a weapon to the sound of ‘Hallelujah’ and pushing ‘daisies and some tulips’, could be viewed as a commentary on gun violence and the threat constantly faced by people in such areas.
Next, J. Cole enters the game, another artist known for his insightful take on socio-political issues. The line “Legend out the 2-6” refers to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, area code 2-6, and is a moment of expressing pride in his roots. He cleverly ties in a reference to Stanley Kubrick, the acclaimed director known for his challenging and unconventional films, hinting at the unorthodox and revolutionary nature of his own craft. His verse reaffirms his place in the rap game, dismissing critics and affirming his commitment to his craft.
The line about “looking out the window like Malcolm X with the rifle” touches on historical context, referencing a famous photograph of Malcolm X, a known civil rights activist who once advocated for black self-defense. The lines “Blood stains on Notre Dame hoodies” is an imagery to show that even in places of learning and supposed neutrality, violence and oppression find their place.
Lastly, the outro serves to crown both J.I.D and J. Cole as forces to be reckoned with. By aligning themselves with wealth (“Me and Ben Frank got a damn good thing going on” – Ben Frank referring to Benjamin Franklin who is on the 100 dollar bill) and success (“look at my whip”- whip being a slang for a car; “suicide doors on my Phantom” – Suicide doors and Phantom being references to luxury in the automotive world), they cement their stand in the music industry and declare their supremacy.
In conclusion, “Off Deez” skillfully weaves social commentary, personal history, and bragging rights into one explosive track that highlights the skill and lyrical depth of both J.I.D and J. Cole. It’s a testament to their undying hustle, and a dismissal of the haters who question their place in the rap game.
